Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)

Advanced (CAE) requires a high level of competence in English (C1) for students who are reaching a standard of English that is adequate for most purposes, including business and study. The exam, which was updated in 2015, is recognised by the majority of British universities as proof of sufficient language skills for courses taught and assessed in English.

Shows students can deal confidently with different types of text, such as fiction, newspapers and magazines. Tests students' use of English with tasks that show how well they can control their grammar and vocabulary.

Writing

TOTAL 90 MINS

2 parts, 2 questions

Requires students to be able to produce two different pieces of writing (220–260 words each). Students must write an essay and then choose between a letter, a review, a report or a proposal.

Listening

APPROX. 40 MINS

4 parts, 30 questions

Tests students' ability to follow and understand a range of spoken materials, such as interviews, radio broadcasts, presentations, talks and everyday conversations.

Speaking

APPROX. 15 MINS PER PAIR OF CANDIDATES

4 parts

Tests students' ability to communicate effectively in face-to-face situations. Students take the Speaking test with another candidate.

Teacher's Resources for Advanced

Advanced Listening – Teacher's Notes

Advice to help students answer questions on the Listening test and to reinforce the importance of prediction activities before the listening starts.

Student's Resources for Advanced

For your Advanced (CAE) exam you will be expected to sit four papers: Reading & Use of English, Listening, Writing and Speaking. Reading & Use of English is worth 40% of the total mark, and the remaining three papers are each worth 20%.

Remember: a low mark in one section does not necessarily mean you will fail the exam; it is the overall mark which counts. So if you are a strong speaker but a weak reader, you can use the marks from your speaking to balance out your low reading marks and still pass the exam.

Advanced Listening – Student's Notes

An overview of the four parts to the Listening paper, testing your ability to uinderstand gist, main points, specific information, attitudes and opinions.

Advanced Speaking – Student's Notes

Starting points to consider when preparing for the Speaking component of your Advanced exam, where you will need to demonstrate a wide range of grammatical forms and make relevant and varied contributions.

*The information above suggests how many hours students might need to spend to reach each level of the CEFR, but these figures are intended as a guideline only. Students may require more or less time and support depending on their own needs.